Summer reading is easy at Beaman library

Beaman Memorial Public Library in West Boylston offers a very relaxed summer reading program for children, teens and adults, according to Library Director Louise Howland.

Children register for the summer reading program upstairs in the children’s room. Children who read, who are beginning to read and children who are read to by an adult, can participate simply by registering and reading books from the library at their reading level. The program runs through Aug. 10, which is the last day to qualify for prize chances. Winners will be announced around Aug. 12 or 13, ,” Children’s Librarian Cecile Lindberg said.

“The kids really get excited that they can win a prize. It gives them an incentive and also lets them continue reading skills. The more they read, the more chances of winning a prize,” Lindberg said.

There are 143 prizes to choose from, ranging from stuffed animals, Beanie Babies and WebKinz, silly bands to games and sports items, including an autographed World Series baseball. The prizes are on display in the Children’s Room.

Prizes are donated by the Friends of the Library, local businesses and parents, Lindberg said.

“Parents help us by buying prizes they know their kids are interested in winning,” Lindberg said.

Children can earn up to five chances per each chapter book read. If parents are reading, five books equal five chances, she said. The program gives incentive for young children to start reading on their own, because they can earn a chance with each book read, she said.

“Kids who (know how but) don’t read in the summer lose a lot of their reading skills and their vocabulary,” Assistant Children’s Librarian Denise Donoghue said. “Parents and teachers want to hear they’ve been reading all summer. It makes them better students,. It stimulates their minds. If they are not reading they are at a disadvantage.

“We try to make it easy and relaxed for families and children,” she said.

Akiko Kunst of West Boylston, a mother of four children, said her oldest daughter has been involved with the summer reading program for a few years and now registers online.

“They love to come here and pick up books,” Kunst said.

It’s up to families what and how much is read for the summer reading program. There are no log books, hours to keep track of and no limits on how much you can read. The program is open to residents of West Boylston and surrounding towns.

“Parents appreciate that it is flexible,” Kunst said.

In the children’s room, participants simply come to the desk and tell how many books were read and the children’s librarians keep track of the numbers for them, Lindberg said.

Another program that has been a great success, unrelated to the theme, is a children’s French class taught by Jessica Colorio, who is a local high school graduate.

“It’s going so well that it has been expanded to two days a week. She even has Disney music in French,” Lindberg said.

Unfortunately, the library’s Annual Children’s Pet Show had to be canceled for this year after two attempts to have it were called off due to rain, she said. This is the first cancellation in 19 years.

A Children’s Toy Yard Sale will be held Aug. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the library lawn. Children can bring their outgrown toys and games to sell on the library lawn and maybe find some new treasurers. Sellers keep their own profits.

The library’s annual Family Reading Night and Ice Cream Social, for all ages, will be held Aug.19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the library lawn. Bring a blanket to read on the lawn and enjoy ice cream, which will be served at 7 p.m. Sign ups are at the children’s or adult desk.

Young adults in grades 6 through 12 who want to participate in the summer reading program can register online and earn chances to win a weekly prize and end of the summer prizes, including $25 gift cards to Borders, Barnes and Noble and Best Buy. Teens can sign up at www.readsinma.org or at the main desk.

Upcoming teen programs include a drop-in do-it-yourself craft workshop on July 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. and an “unplugged" acoustic coffeehouse on Aug. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Enter by July 30 if you want to perform.

Adults can also win prizes for registering for the summer reading program.

“Every time they return a book, they get a chance to win a gift certificate to a local restaurant,” Howland said.

Adults may read or listen to any books from the library and then submit chances to win gift certificates to local restaurants, including West Boylston Seafood, O’Connor’s, Tweeds Pub and The Manor, all of which donate prizes. The adult program runs through Aug. 27.

The summer reading program at the Beaman Memorial Public Library started in 1988.

“We’ve been including our adults since 1989. We do that to help the children see their parents reading and see their parents’ enthusiasm. It helps the children see the value of reading throughout their lives, not just as a chore,” Howland said. “It makes sense to include all ages because reading is an activity to enjoy throughout your life.”

To learn more about the summer reading program and upcoming summer events, call (508) 835-3711 or visit the library’s website, www.beamanlibrary.org

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